The Link Between Teeth Cleaning and Overall Health
Regular dental visits are a critical part of maintaining your oral health, but did you know that teeth cleaning during your exam is also linked to optimizing your overall health? Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and poor oral hygiene can lead to serious health problems. Biocompatible dentistry is an approach to dental care that emphasizes the patient’s oral health to achieve overall health and optimal well-being. This form of dentistry considers how the health of the mouth and materials used to treat various dental conditions can impact the rest of the body. Let’s explore the connection between regular dental cleanings and your whole health.
If you are experiencing chronic bad breath, teeth cleaning can help.
For more information read, How Dental Cleanings Can Prevent Bad Breath.
The Oral Health-Overall Health Connection
Oral health is more than just having a bright, white smile. It is the state of your teeth, gums, and entire mouth. Your mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, and if left unchecked, these bacteria can cause infections and inflammation. Studies have shown that poor oral health can lead to a host of health problems, including:
- Heart disease: Poor oral health has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, leading to inflammation and other problems.
- Respiratory infections: Poor oral health can also increase the risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia. Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, causing infections.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease, and gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels.
- Dementia: Studies have found a link between poor oral health and an increased risk of dementia. The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, causing inflammation.
- Pregnancy complications: Poor oral health has been linked to pregnancy complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
How Can Teeth Cleanings Improve Overall Health?
Now that we know how poor oral health can affect overall health, let's look at how proper teeth cleaning can improve it.
- Prevents gum disease: Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and regular dental cleanings with your dental hygienist can help prevent gum disease. Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
- Reduces the risk of heart disease: Proper teeth cleaning can reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. When you remove harmful bacteria from the teeth and gums, you reduce the risk of them entering the bloodstream and causing inflammation in the heart.
- Reduces the risk of respiratory infections: Proper teeth cleaning can also reduce the risk of respiratory infections. By removing harmful bacteria from the mouth, you are reducing the risk of them being inhaled into the lungs and causing infection.
- Helps control diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease. Regular teeth cleanings can help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of gum disease.
- Reduces the risk of dementia: Teeth cleanings can reduce the risk of dementia by preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria in the mouth. This reduces the risk of inflammation in the brain caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream.
How To Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Now that we know the link between teeth cleaning and overall health, it's essential to know how to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush to avoid damaging your teeth and gums.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth that your toothbrush can't reach.
- Use mouthwash to help kill harmful bacteria in your mouth and freshen your breath.
- Visit the dental clinic for a dental cleaning at least twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can detect any oral health problems early on and treat them before they become more serious.
To learn more about what happens when you visit your dental hygienist,
read What To Expect During A Dental Cleaning.
Protect Your Smile And Your Whole Health With Cleanings At Dr. Korol Dental
Proper teeth cleaning is not only essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but it is also linked to overall health. By taking care of your oral health, you can reduce the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, respiratory infections, and dementia. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, use mouthwash, and visit the dentist regularly. By following these simple steps, you can maintain good oral hygiene and improve your overall health. Book your biannual dental cleaning and exam at Dr. Korol Dental today.
Dr. Korol and her skilled and compassionate team are committed to providing the highest quality and safest, most holistic approach to dental care, oral health, and overall well-being. We offer the newest and most effective treatments and technologies to support a lifetime of good health. Our practice is committed to a biocompatible approach to family dentistry. Book your appointment by calling (403) 245-9099 or filling out our online form.
FAQ
There are certain steps you can take at home to keep your smile white and healthy. This includes quitting smoking, limiting your intake of certain foods and drinks, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, and rinsing your mouth after every meal.
A deep teeth cleaning is required to treat gum and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum, jawbone, and the structures surrounding the teeth. "Peri" means around, and "odontal" refers to teeth. Swollen and bleeding gums are early signs that your gums are infected with bacteria. If nothing is done, the infection can spread. It can destroy the structures that support the teeth in your jawbone. Eventually, your teeth can become so loose that they have to be extracted.
Some people believe that if they are practicing good oral hygiene at home they can skip the bi-annual visit to the dentist, especially when a busy schedule or the lack of dental coverage are obstacles to dental care. But regular dental cleanings are a critical component of good oral health and even overall health. Learn more about The Risks Of Skipping Regular Dental Cleanings.
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